Friday, 1 January 2016

Astrological overview of 2016.... specifically January and how it affects your sign

2016 is a critical year, as even though Pluto (power/abuse
of power) and Uranus (rebellion) are still at loggerheads, Neptune (potential
redemption) is now creeping up to offer a new dimension through his growing
benign influence on Pluto. This means that although a meltdown of the old order
is very much in the ether as the wrongs of history and our abuse of the planet
come home to roost (war, extreme inequality, climate change, for which we will
all pay a price), there is a new value system (Neptune) fighting for breath.
Neptune is now so strong in its own sign of Pisces (once every 165 years).
Hence the strengths can be of the most positive or most negative extreme.

This year Saturn (challenge /reality checks) also continues
to move deeply through Sagittarius (globalisation) and brings the global
challenge of the fact that the problems of those many miles away are our
problems now too. Refugees, climate change (all too apparent recently) and
economic upheavals are no longer within the confines of a few countries.Terrorism too has become a scourge of the
world and we can no longer look the other way.

Neptune produces idealism, compassion and also confusion
(and in its worst form, impassioned, delusional paranoia such as Isil /Daesh),
but when in harmony with Pluto it encourages an ability to use the power of the
heart and soul to bring a collective desire to tap into our hearts for the
cause of the common good. There is a collective desire to get past the old
value system that has brought us to moral bankruptcy and to rethink the way
forward without greed and destructive ruthlessness towards the planet.
Unfortunately this will only really happen when the problems are inescapable
for us all and when the developed world truly faces the worst of climate
change, which the next 10 years or so will bring.

The polarisation
between left and right (Pluto in Capricorn versus Uranus in Aries) which is
virtually exact currently as these planets both reach the critical midpoint
through the two signs, is now manifested as reactions to the current world
problems, for instance personified in such figure as Donald Trump and Jeremy
Corbyn(can you imagine them ever even
being able to have a conversation?)This vision alone demonstrates just how much of a challenge it will be
to get any compromise on a way forward when we are talking about such alien
viewpoints and value systems.

All extremes are
pathological to some degree… but narcissism (a personality disorder) seems to
be a powerful force among the powers that currently hold sway.Indeed research shows that slightly higher
than average narcissistic and indeed psychopathic traits (fearlessness and lack
of concern for the fallout of their actions on others) are usually found in the
personality profile of those who hold extreme and largely undemocratic power
and wealth in both business and politics.

And that characteristic is very underlined while Pluto
(power/abuse of power) is in Capricorn(establishment /economy)

Is a government in power, who secured only 37% of the vote,
democratically elected? (Current British government)

Pluto in Capricorn since 2008 till 2025 has indeed put the
market and the worship of money and growth as the central priority on the
planet politically…and we are paying the price.

When we also have to face (as we are beginning to now) the
inevitable outcome of the abuse of antibiotics (i.e. pathogenic resistance to
them because of overuse mainly because of their routine use in industrial meat
production) and the implications of the outcome for humanity in terms of future
commonplace loss of life from simple infections, only then will we start to
understand just how collectively unthinking and abusive we can be. We will
always pay a price. Collective hubris leads to collective nemesis.

Therefore we have to hope that Neptune in his constructive
form, can help bring emotional intelligence back into the picture and this may
only happen when the chips are so down, there will be no choice.

This may start to creep in noticeably this year.

Jupiter now in Virgo (environment /nature /purity) till
September 9th (when he
enters Libra) has prompted in the recent Paris climate change summit a greater
benign/mire hopeful response to the huge impact of climate change, but when it
comes to global financial vested interests, one can only feel cynical. (e.g.
David Cameron’s“impassioned” speech re
owing it to our grandchildren to act now against climate change, whilst only
weeks before he had massively cut subsidies to renewable energy companies,
whilstcontinuing to subsidise
massively the fossil fuel industries)

When Jupiter moves in Libra (balance /justice) next
September, there may well be a renewed push globally also for more social/economic
equality and fairness.

As far as this month is concerned, Mercury is retrograde
from the 2nd till the 25th. Between these dates, there will be a sense
personally and collectively of delay, powerlessness, blocks, transport and
communication problems and glitches. It is important to use this slowed period
to take stock and reconsider strategy, rather than to just get annoyed and
frustrated. It is however advisable to get things achieved and delivered, if it
is totally necessary, either side of those dates. Those most affected are
likely to be Capricorns born after January 6th and Cancers born after
July 7th.

Venus
is in Sagittarius till the 23rd suggesting that all Sagittarians will
for some days during that time have a greater sense of charm, love, aesthetics
and sense of well being. Till the 23rd also allGeminisat some
point this month will experience a feeling of affection from others more
strongly than usual and a sense of good times and indulgence will role.To some extent before the 23rd Aries will
also feel a boost notably connected to long distance issues and Leos
before the23rd will have greater joy related to romance and children’s issues
at some point during that period.

After the 23rdCancerians born up to December 31stwill feel the power of others warm and loving input and so too will Taureans
born up to April 30th and Virgos born up to September 2ndwill feel benefits from long distance or related to
romance, offspring and creative pursuits.Mars is in Libra till the 3rd and this
suggests that late Librans born after October 19thwill feel
that the first 3 days of the month will bring out their assertive side (often
hidden) and this may be necessitated by others’ influence. Also in the first 3
days of the month Aries born after the April 18th may find that others
are confrontational and you need to be careful how you handle them.Similarly those Capricorns born after
January 18th and Cancers born after July 19th, may find the very early days of the month are
suffused with some irritation and impatience related to work or family issues.
However Aquarians born after the February 17th
and Geminis born after June 19thmay find
that those first 3 days of the month are enabling of your courage and
determination and constructive energy relating to travel, long distance or
academic dealings, or related to the arts and creativity and romantic courage
and constructivity are also highlighted..

After the 3rd, Mars moves powerfully into its own
home sign of Scorpio.Therefore after
the 3rd all Scorpios born up to November 8th will
experience a real drive, determination and possibly a rather ruthless streak to
achieve you goals, so be conscious. Similarly after the 3rd, all
Taureans born up to May 6th will experience some intensity from
others that may be a little challenging and you need to be aware of not
overreacting and also to watch out for bullying. Draw boundaries as to what you
should accept.Also after the
3rd Pisces born up to March 6th and Cancers born up to July 8th
will be fired with intellectual courage and strength and energy put into travel
is strong and purposeful. There is also the feeling that love life and creative
talents are infused with energy and courage and positivity.However after the 3rd for Aquarians born up
to February 6ththere will be a sense of resistance and
challenge from others professionally, so needing patience and self-discipline,
whilst also after the 3rd Leos born up to August 8th
may need to tread carefully round family members.

Jupiter in Virgo moves retrograde on the 8th, and
this suggests that all Virgos born September 14th-17thare blessed with a prolonged sense of well-being this month.. Growth and
progress inner and outer (mostly outer after the 8th) is underway.
There is a sense of protection and potential increased security in the ether
and indeed travel is in the air or at the least a sense of pushing out the
boundaries of enlightenment.Similarly Taureans
born round May 12th-15th are also feeling somewhat
blessed re children, romance and creative inspiration and so too Capricorns
born round January 12-15th are feeling boosted re study,
philosophical insights, legal issues and travel/long distance dealings.However if born Pisces between March 12th
to 15th there may this month indeed be a tendency to enjoy life,
but possibly without sufficient caution and with too much self indulgence, so
think before acting or spending… or allowing others to influence you a little
unwisely.Geminis born June13th-16th
may be feeling a little OTT in mood relating to career ambitions and a little
overconfidence needs checked, or biting off more than you can chew, needs care
and also having too great an expectation of self and results of projects could
be a problem. Sagittarians too, born December 13th - 16thmay be feeling a little over indulgent re home /family /real estate
issues.A general sense of over
self-gratification needs watching. Enjoy, but with some caution.

Saturn of course is still coursing through Sagittarius and
this month it is definitely those Sagittarians born December 3rd-8thwho will be feeling the challenging power of this benevolent despot of a
planet. Reality checks, hard work and stepping up to the plate are needed, as
well as a very practical, mature attitude to facing facts and doing what is
necessary.Look after the body too as
Saturn makes us tired, a little negative and vulnerable physically. Don’t give
in to too much negativity. Remember Saturn in the end makes us stronger, if we
learn his lessons. He is also of course a karmic schoolteacher. Similarly
Geminis born June 1st –6th may be finding that the
challenges are coming from others, who are either necessary, if strict teachers
or who are unreasonably oppressive. Only you need to honestly decide.
Relationships are challenging and mature courage and insight is needed to
understand the dynamic.

Pisces born March 1st and 6th
and Virgos born September 3rd –8th may be feeling
that struggles are within one and lack of confidence and negativity is around
as blocks and delays dominate. Keep focused, realistic, patent and
self-disciplined and you will get through this. Look after yourself, be austere
and embrace the necessity principle and be very grown up in response.Problems may be related to career or home
and domestic issues. Either way, this lesson is worth learning… and keep
healthy and well rested.However if
Aries born April 1st-5th or Leo born August 2nd-8th,
there is an opportunity to work hard in a way that is clearly focused,
disciplined, courageous and constructive and to attend to what is necessary and
maybe uncomfortable, but with relative ease and success. This can apply to
study, dutiful travel or in relation to facing up to reality and
responsibilities re love life and children’s issues and also related possibly
to creative efforts. People admire your efforts and achievements at this time,
despite any difficulties in the air. Saturn in positive mode makes us
constructively responsible and mature in approach.

The outer planets of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are still
meandering trough Aries, Pisces and Capricorn respectively. When they affect
people in rare transits, they are protracted influences.Currently all Aries born April 5th
–7thare still feeling (since June 2014) the final influence of
Uranus on their Sun. which has brought change, uncertainty, impulse, the
unexpected, and the disturbing, but eventually a kick start into a freer more
innovative future.The journey is
nearly over.

Similarly Librans born October 8th-10th
.are coming to the end of a protracted period of disruption brought into their
lives by others and events out of their control are bringing long-term change.
Others have been catalysts and although uncomfortable possibly, it has allowed
for a new trajectory. Adrenalin has been strong in both the above Librans and
Aries’ lives. Calmer times are soon here.

To some extent Cancers born July7th-9th
and Capricorns born January 6th-8th, will have
felt since around June 2014, a restlessness and lack of certainty re their life
and events related to career and or home life… There has been change in the
air, and lack of settledness in life, and it has been important to have not
jumped into change for its own sake, but to have opened ones arms to a changing
journey on its own terms.

However if Leo, born August 7th-10th
or Sagittarius born December 7th-9th there has been for
around 18 months a real feeling of renewed confidence in ones own uniqueness
and authenticity, and feeling that opportunities abound to kick start you into
a more appropriate direction in life, with more self belief and conviction of
ones purpose and uniqueness. That successful journey is now nearly complete.

Meanwhile Neptune
has, for those Pisces born February 25th-28th,
been since April 2014, been bringing intense sensitivity and either spiritual
or creative influences to bear and there has been both serious inspiration and
potential escapism or over idealism, or possibly more negatively, some
delusions or deceptive circumstances are or have been around.One needs to keep grounded, be real and
focus on the greater ability to feel the heart centre and its empathy to be
strong and the communion with nature intensified.. Bur also you need to check
out the realty and credentials of the vision you have.Music, the sea and sleep may have been more
important that ever, as a source of solace.

If Virgo born 8th-10th,
for nearly 2 years you have had a sense of being prone to seeing what you want
to see and projecting onto others a vision and not seeing the reality. It is
important to see clearly both people and ideas for what they are, and there has
been a definite danger of deceptive circumstances from others.Although sensitivity has increased and
emotionalism too, it can have misguided you and clouded your objectivity and
reason. It has been and remains important to look after the body and to keep
life simple, with the joys of nature, music and the arts as your friend. Sleep
is important, but the danger of negative escapism and addictive behaviour has
also been underscored.

Even for
Geminis born June 6th-8thand Sagittariansborn
December 7th-9th, there has been a keener sense of emotional
power and a tendency to self deception or wishful thinking,, and although the
power of the heart has been strengthened , it has been and remains important to
keep it real.

For Cancers born July 6th-8th
and Scorpios born November 8th-10th, there has
been since spring 2014 a terrific sense of uplifting inspiration through the
arts and, music and firms. Photography especially, and also a real sense of
empathic connection with others and with the power of natures influence.. This
will continue to inspire and sensitise you till March this year. You will
realise then, how much of a more sensitive and inspired soul you have become
over the last 2 years.

Pluto, the mighty dwarf, continues to impact powerfully Capricorns
born 5th-8th. Power is the key word. The power of
transformation and regeneration through destined circumstances and the power of
endings are strong. Not always comfortable, Pluto shows us the harsh truths of
life and brings power into our lives from within or from others and possibly
have power thrust upon us and we have to keep squeaky clean, be very conscious
and avoid all abusive gratuitous use pf power for ourselves and to star clear
of that misuse of power in others.

Equally Cancerians born July 6th-8th
are feeling the power of others in potential power struggles and it is vital
that you do not sink to the same level.. Beware also of coercive manipulation,
from self or from others. Choose your enemies wisely and give them a clear
boundary, but with calm and right on your side. Endings/losses are often part
of Pluto’s message, and it is always important to remember that there is a
phoenix out of the ashes. To some extent also Aries born April 4th-7th
and Librans born October 7th-10th (along with the
influence of Uranus) will have felt for a few years a sense of inner
struggle related to emancipating their power and destiny. Primeval forces are
at work in the psyche and one needs to thoroughly understand the roots of these
to be able to handle them wisely.

However if Taurus, born May 5th-8th, or Virgo
born September 7th-10th, there is a new found ability
to transform, regenerate and self reinvent when it comes to taking control of
ones life.A new chapter of empowerment
has been developing over the last year and it is not complete till towards the
end of 2017… so too Scorpios born November 7th-10thare
being ongoingly empowered with a forensic insight and with effective intensity
and depth of thought and communication, as Pluto (Scorpio’s ruling planet)
smiles intelligently on your sun.

Finally the Moon is new on the 10th at 19 degrees
of Capricorn and new on the 24th at 3 degrees of Leo.

Capricorns born around January 10th may
find their birthday period hopefully unfolding new beginnings, whilst on the 24th,
Leos born around July 27th, may well be realising that a
certain chapter in life is closing in a cyclical way and the power of the
unconscious will be strong, as you need to prepare for a new chapter to emerge
during the coming year.

About Me

Astro Analysis is the website of London-based psychological Astrologer, Leigh Oswald. Leigh has been a practising professional Astrologer for three decades.
Leigh is a qualified teacher and teaches Astrology when time allows. Her academic background prior to studying Astrology included philosophy, psychology, sociology and English literature.
Practising and writing about Astrology has allowed Leigh to bring together many of these disciplines. When she found Astrology, Leigh felt as if she had "come home".